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  • The Skinny on Sparklers: Appetizer Wine Pairing

    Real Champagne can put a huge dent in your pocketbook, but other sparkling wines can come very close to the real thing, and often with a much more approachable price tag. Everybody doesn't like something. . . but nobody doesn't like Champagne! That's why it's the perfect bottle to bring to a big, festive gathering around the holidays.

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  • Franklin Tennessee Wine
    The Franklin area is an eclectic mix of history, music, business, charming southern culture and wine.  The home of one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War, with landmarks aplenty, is also the U.S. Corporate headquarters for such prestigious firms as Nissan and Mars Petcare.  No other county houses more country music artists and Williamson County is also the acknowledged epicenter for Christian music.  The downtown area with its quaint, yet trendy shops, blends favorably with the horse fencing and natural wonders of the countryside.  You would think that mint juleps would be the drink of choice in this bustling country town, but if Franklin had a mascot it would be wine.  It makes sense really.  What other drink better reflects upper class sophistication, contributes health benefits and appeals to such a wide cross-section of people with its varied flavors?  Or to quote Euripides “Both to the rich and poor, wine is the happy antidote for sorrow”.
     
     Despite the fact that Tennessee as a whole consumes less wine per year than the surrounding states, Franklin ranks above all those state averages in wine consumption.  Perhaps wine is more valued because it is not as easily attainable in Franklin.  It can not be purchased in grocery stores, as it is in surrounding states, and so obtains a standing which fits the upscale image of this town.  Liquor stores carry a wide assortment of wines, from economy to luxury pricing.  Arrington Vineyards is also allowed to sell its wine on the premises by the bottle.  Wine may also be purchased through the mail or online.  In addition, Franklin is home to hundreds of restaurants and most of them serve wine.  Many of these will sell wine by the bottle to patrons as well.  For instance, Boxwood Bistro offers all their wines for sale at half price on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  There are also weekly wine-tastings at several locations where a group can explore vintage wines without breaking the bank and get an education at the same time.  Wine socials are also sponsored by several area restaurants in an attempt to attract specific groups to their businesses to meet others who share common interests.  
     
    Wine is popular throughout the year in Franklin, but Autumn is when it is truly celebrated.  Several  signature wine festivals occur during this period and Franklin comes alive.  First there is “Wine Down Main Street”, an event which raises money for the Boys and Girls Club, while giving guests a memorable evening strolling down Main Street sampling different vintages, hosted by area businesses.    Structured dinners have been scheduled, but participants may also choose from a host of other dining options.  After all the frivolities, limos, buses, and taxis are available to return you safely to your abode.  “Wine Down Main Street” has been a fixture in Franklin since 2001 and has grossed over 1 million for their charity during that time.  It appeals to more than just Franklinites too, as last year saw people from 22 states and 3 foreign nations attending making it the largest ticketed charity event in Williamson County.  “Wine Down Main Street” is held on the first Friday in November.  
     
    Another notable wine celebration is “The Franklin Wine Festival”, held at The Factory, a 250,000 square foot retail facility.  It is also a charity event and this years beneficiary is Big Brothers, Big Sisters.  A ticket to this climate-controlled event allows you 3 hours of sampling from 300 wines, plus tasting mouth-watering creations from 30 of the area's top restaurants.  “The Franklin Wine Festival” also features live entertainment on several different stages, celebrity wine pourers and both live and silent auctions.  The month-long event also features seminars for wine, cigars and food.  It begins on October 21.
     
    “A Vintage Affair” is yet another non-profit dedicated to raising money for Williamson County charities and has raised almost 1 million for them since beginning in 2001.  AVA hosts events throughout the year, including:  wine, spirit and food tastings, and a fashion show.  In the Fall they present Franklin with a “Grape Stomp”.  This contest pits 6 five-member teams against each other to see who can produce the most juice in 4 minute heats and is certainly a different way to enjoy the grapes!
     
  • Franklin Tennessee Wine The Franklin area is an eclectic mix of history, music, business, charming southern culture and wine.  The home of one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War, with landmarks aplenty, is also the...
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  • Tennessee Wine and Vineyards Ask the average Joe where wine vineyards are apt to be located.  They will probably mention France, Germany, Italy and maybe California, but few would say Tennessee.  They would be wrong.  There...
  • JJ's Wine Bar A new arrival on the Franklin restaurant scene is JJ's Wine Bar.  As it's name implies, it is more of a trendy gathering place where singles, couples and groups can sample up to 28 different wines...
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